Patricia Ruiz (she/her/hers) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor at The Psychological Health and Safety (PH&S) Clinic. Patricia uses a narrative-informed, collaborative approach when working with clients to fortify their own sense and experiences of their strengths and abilities, mental wellness, and resilience. Patricia has trained extensively in the use of Narrative Therapy and facilitates therapeutic conversations with individuals and couples who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma responses, chronic pain, relationship and communication challenges, body image issues, life transitions, grief, loss, and bereavement.

Patricia graduated with a Master’s degree in Counselling from City University of Seattle. In addition, she also holds a Master’s degree in Education , as well as Bachelor degrees in History and Spanish Literature from New Mexico State University. Patricia has travelled to many countries in East Asia, South East Asia, Europe, Australia, and Latin America with the goal of expanding her understanding of diverse cultures, traditions, and spiritual practices. She is fluent in English and Spanish, and has been an educator and communication coach for over 20 years in individual and group settings, teaching English to newcomers to Canada, Spanish to international students, and employment readiness and job search skills to those seeking to re-enter the job market.

Patricia’s goal as a clinician is to establish an inclusive, respectful environment where stories of resilience and possibilities are highlighted and strengthened through the use of language, imagery, and metaphors. Patricia is passionate about using a strength-based approach in therapy to bring about an understanding of coping strategies, feelings, attitudes, and responses to challenging life experiences and circumstances.

Patricia enjoys supporting people to navigate life challenges and transitions in a way that is both supportive and encouraging. By exploring the relationships between thoughts, emotions, and actions, she seeks to honour the autonomy, identity, and culture of individuals as she guides them to strengthen their connections to their values, goals, and preferred ways of knowing and being.

Patricia works closely with Dr. Samra to develop client treatment plans and offers online (virtual) counselling. Patricia uses a variety of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) combined with mindfulness and body-based exercises to support clients to set and move toward their own self-defined goals.

When not working as a therapist, you can find Patricia cooking vegetarian food and baking. She enjoys a regular meditation and yoga practice and loves walking, dancing, and spending time with her partner, beloved greyhound, and her sweet and sassy cat.

Patricia Ruiz (she/her/hers) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor at The Psychological Health and ... Read More